Senior Dating Tips to Help You Find Love

It’s never too late to find love, as Minnie Munro and Harry Stevens will tell you. The oldest to ever marry, they were both over a hundred years old when they married their respective spouses. More and more people are discovering that age is just a number when it comes to relationships – and with over a third of people over 65 being single, there’s never been a better time to date. In this article, you’ll find a collection of senior dating tips we’ve gleaned in our 20+ years of helping people of all ages find love.

The various stages of a senior relationship

One of the best senior dating tips? In many ways, senior relationships just like those at any other age – they all have four main stages.

1. Initial meeting/attraction: This stage marks the beginning of a potential connection. It involves the first encounter, whether in person or online, where initial attraction and curiosity start to develop. It’s the spark that ignites the potential for something more
2. Curiosity, interest, and attraction: Senior singles explore their curiosity and interest in each other. Conversations deepen, and shared experiences contribute to the growing attraction. This phase is characterized by a desire to know more about the other person and a sense of compatibility
3. “Enlightenment” and becoming a  couple: The relationship moves beyond surface-level interactions, entering a phase where both individuals gain deeper insights into each other’s values, beliefs, and life goals. This stage involves a more profound understanding of compatibility, leading to the decision to officially become a couple
4. Commitment or engagement: The final stage signifies a strong commitment to the senior relationship. Whether through formal engagement or a mutual understanding, both partners decide to navigate life together with shared goals and a sense of long-term commitment. This stage brings stability and the potential for a lasting and fulfilling partnership.

Different people move from one stage to the next at different times. Knowing which stage you’re in can be helpful while navigating your relationship.

Why having a social life is extra important for senior singles

Research indicates that an active social life in your later years brings tangible advantages to both your physical and mental wellbeing. The National Institute on Aging has established a connection between social isolation, loneliness, and various health concerns, such as elevated blood pressure and cognitive decline.

Even if you’re not looking for a romantic relationship, it’s important to build and maintain connections. Your local senior center may have classes and activities you’d enjoy, or you can look online for meet-up groups that cater to your specific interests. You could even try volunteering!

A senior’s guide to online dating

While the traditional ways of finding someone new become for difficult as we age, more and more people are using the internet to find a partner. At first glance, looking for love online can feel intimidating, so here are a few senior online dating tips:

Pick the right website

One of the most important senior online dating tips? The right choice for a dating website depends on what you’re looking for. If what you want is a lasting relationship, eharmony is a great choice.

Use your profile wisely

Your dating profile is your chance to let potential partners get to know you, so be yourself! Create an authentic profile that reflects your true personality, interests, and what you’re looking for in a relationship.

Show off with your photos

Photos of you in your daily life are a great way to connect with potential partners. Genuine smiles and photos engaged in your favorite activities can be particularly appealing, offering insight into your personality.

Stay safe while looking for love

Keep this senior dating advice on safety in mind during your search for a partner:

• Never share sensitive personal info or send money, even if people ask
• Don’t keep chatting with people who refuse to come on video
• Be wary of people whose profiles only have a bare minimum of information
• Keep your communication on the dating app or website
• Always keep your friends and family aware of any romantic partners
• When it comes to actual dates, make sure they’re in public places

Believe in yourself

When it comes to older women and dating – or even older men and dating, having the confidence to step into the dating scene can be challenging. Embrace all that you bring to a relationship and recognize that people in their later years deserve love as much as those in their 20s or 30s. With age comes self-awareness and a sense of comfort in your own identity – qualities that can be exceptionally appealing to a partner.

Keep your expectations realistic

One of the most important senior dating tips we can offer you? Don’t underestimate how fundamental setting expectations are to a senior relationship. Both of you will probably have ideas of how things are supposed to work that might lead to conflict if you don’t talk about them. Being clear with your partner what your vision for the relationship is and how you expect things to go can help avoid misunderstandings and leave you with a stronger, healthier relationship.

Have fun!

People will try to tell you about any number of senior dating rules, but this is the most important one: have fun! What that looks like will be up to you, but don’t let age dictate what you ‘should’ do (so long as health and safety isn’t a concern). Focus on your common interests, but don’t be afraid to try new things – if nothing else, you might at least wind up with a funny story.

Communicate

If setting expectations is one pillar of successful relations, clear communication is another. This is another of the most important senior dating tips, since while age might bring wisdom, it doesn’t, alas, make you a mind-reader. Communication is especially key for seniors, since the majority have previous relationships behind them, not to mention friends and family still in their lives. Talking to your partner – and listening to them – is a major part of maintaining and strengthening your bond.

Some dos and don’ts for senior dating

Wondering about the best dating tips for older men (or women?) Here are some of our favorites:

Dos	Don’ts
Take the time to figure out what you want	Expect to replace a previous partner
Be vigilant about your safety	Rush into a relationship
Step out of your comfort zone	Be careless about your personal information
Be open about your past relationships	Worry about what people think

A recent study from the Pew Research Center showed there are over 21 million singles above the age of 65 in the US, a fifth of whom are interested in finding someone new¹. Dating in your later years may not be as easy as in your 20s or 30s but if you approach it with optimism and an open mind, you may be surprised just how many opportunities there are. If you’re looking for love as senior single and unsure how to begin, there’s no better choice than eharmony – we have over two decades’ experience in helping people find real love. So sign up today and take your first steps on the road to your next relationship.